Medical or dental device for dispensing a powdered medium

ABSTRACT

A medical or dental device for dispensing a powdered medium with a container having a container interior space. The container can be connected to a compressed gas source to convey the powdered medium together with the compressed gas out of the interior space, and to a dispensing unit, so that the powdered medium is conveyed with the compressed gas to the dispensing unit. The container comprises: a wall, and a bottom that is connected to the wall and has at least one bore through which compressed gas from the compressed gas source can be conducted into the interior space. A swirl plate made of a porous material is provided at the bottom. Compressed gas can be conducted through the porous swirl plate into the interior space to aerate at least a portion of the powdered medium without conveying the powdered medium out of the interior space to the dispensing unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from pending European PatentApplication No. 15192001.4, filed Oct. 29, 2015, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present invention relates to a medical or dental device fordispensing a powdered medium that is fluidized by a compressed gas ontohuman or animal tissue or a tissue replacement material.

Description of Prior Art

Such a device is known from patent application WO 2007/014246 A2. Thedevice for dispensing a powdered medium can be connected to a dentalunit for supplying it with compressed gas and water and it includes acontainer for storing the powdered medium and a dispensing unit in theform of a handpiece with a nozzle through which the powdered mediumtogether with the compressed gas can be dispensed to a treatment site.Compressed gas is supplied to the container and to the powder containedin it in order to convey the powdered medium out of the container and tothe dispensing unit.

In practice, it is difficult to operate such a device with constantoperating parameters. Thus it is often observed that the amount ofpowdered medium conveyed by the compressed gas out of the container tothe dispensing unit varies greatly, for example, as a function of thefilling level of the powdered medium in the container or as a functionof the type of powdered medium, for example, its grain size. Since thepowdered medium stored in the container is very fine, i.e., has smallgrain sizes and is often hygroscropic, it additionally frequently occursthat the powdered medium forms lumps in the container which also resultsin considerable variations in the amount of powdered medium conveyedthrough the compressed gas.

SUMMARY

Based on the foregoing it would be advantageous to create a medical ordental device for dispensing a powdered medium having a more constantoperation, in particular having less variation in the load of powderedmedium in the compressed gas, and in which the formation of lumps of thepowdered medium in the container will have less effect on the conveyanceof the powdered medium to the dispensing unit in comparison with currentpractice.

According to an embodiment a medical or dental device for dispensing apowdered medium onto human or animal tissue or onto a tissue replacementmaterial comprises a container for storing the powdered medium in acontainer interior space, wherein the container can be connected to acompressed gas source and compressed gas from the compressed gas sourcecan be conducted into the container interior space in order to conveythe powdered medium with the compressed gas out of the containerinterior space. The container can be connected to a dispensing unit sothat the powdered medium with the compressed gas is conveyed to thedispensing unit and can be dispensed by the dispensing unit in thedirection of the human or animal tissue or the tissue replacementmaterial. The container comprises a container wall, which defines atleast a portion of the container interior space and a container bottomconnected to the container wall and having at least one bore throughwhich compressed gas can be sent from the compressed gas source into thecontainer interior space. In addition, a swirl plate of porous materialwhich is permeable for compressed gas is provided at the containerbottom, so that compressed gas can be sent through this porous materialand into the container interior space in order to loosen up or aerate atleast a portion of the powdered medium in the container interior spacewithout conveying the powdered medium out of the container interiorspace to the dispensing unit.

Providing a swirl plate made of a porous material that is permeable forcompressed gas and through which compressed gas can be passed into thecontainer interior space causes a loosening, aerating and/or hovering ofthe powdered medium in the container interior space. Alternatively, theeffect of the compressed gas blown through the porous material can thusbe described as the compressed gas inducing the powdered medium into afluid-like state or an active motion state, i.e., a fluidized state.This loosening, aerating or fluidization permits a uniform charging ofthe compressed gas with the powdered medium and also counteracts theformation of lumps of powdered medium and/or separates particles of thepowdered medium that are lumped together from one another. The medicalor dental device can thus be operated with substantially more constantoperating parameters.

The compressed gas used is preferably compressed air which is receivedby the medical or dental device for dispensing a powdered medium from acompressed air source, for example, a compressor. The medical or dentaldevice for dispensing a powdered medium is therefore connected to thecompressed air source via a compressed gas line/compressed air line.

As will be described in detail further below, the container preferablycomprises a standpipe which extends into the container interior spaceand which has at least one suction or intake opening for intake ofpowdered medium stored in the container to convey the powdered mediumthrough the standpipe to the dispensing unit. The at least one suctionor intake opening and the swirl plate that is permeable for compressedgas are preferably arranged close to one another or adjacent to oneanother, so that the loosening, aeration or fluidization of the powderedmedium takes place in particular in a volume at the at least one intakeopening so that the intake of powdered medium into the standpipe isadditionally favored.

Preferably, all of the powdered medium stored in the container isloosened, aerated or fluidized by the compressed gas which passesthrough the porous material of the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plateand into the container interior space.

The compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate is preferably made of glass,metal or plastic. The compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate is preferablydesigned as a cylindrical disk. The compressed-gas-permeable swirl platepreferably has a top side facing the container interior space, a bottomside remote from the container interior space and a body with a lateralsurface extending between the top side and the bottom side. Thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate, in particular its body, preferablycomprises a plurality of channels or pores which in particular connectthe top side and the bottom side and open into openings on the top sideand the bottom side so that the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate ispermeable for compressed gas. The diameter or the size of the channelsor pores is preferably equal to or less than 20 μm, in particular equalto or less than 14 μm, so that particles of the powdered mediumessentially cannot enter the pores or channels or pass through them.

The compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate is preferably designed, inparticular because of the plurality of its channels or pores, so thatthe compressed gas supplied to the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plateemerges at least over most of its top side, so that in particular theaerating or fluidization of the powdered medium is accomplished withoutconveying the powdered medium to the dispensing unit from the containerinterior space.

The container interior space preferably includes at least one section orpartial volume which tapers in the direction of the container bottom.The compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate is especially preferablyarranged in or on the section of the container interior space thattapers in the direction of the container bottom. The at least one intakeopening of the standpipe is especially preferably arranged in thesection of the container interior space that tapers in the direction ofthe container bottom. These features advantageously and in particular incombination produce a reliable flow of the powdered medium in thecontainer interior space, a reliable intake through the intake openingsof the standpipe and/or counteract development of a bridge in thepowdered medium.

The compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate preferably forms anintermediate bottom which delimits the container interior space andseparates the container interior space from the container bottom. Thisadvantageously ensures that the powdered medium will be depositedexclusively on the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate (and notdirectly on the container bottom) and will thus be reliably loosened,aerated or fluidized.

Preferably, below the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate, inparticular between the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate and thecontainer bottom, there is provided a compressed gas chamber forsupplying compressed gas over a large surface area of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate, wherein said compressed gaschamber extends directly along the bottom side of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate, preferably over a large planarsurface area of it. The compressed gas chamber preferably extends overat least 50%, in particular preferably over at least 75% of the bottomside of the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate. The compressed gaschamber is preferably designed as an annular chamber beneath thedisk-shaped compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate.

The compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate is preferably arranged at adistance from the container bottom through a shoulder or a spacer,wherein the compressed gas chamber comprises in particular the distanceproduced by the shoulder or the spacer.

A compressed gas line which is identified below as the first compressedgas line for (exclusive) supply of compressed gas to the porous materialof the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate preferably opens into thecompressed gas chamber. The compressed gas chamber is preferablydesigned and provided to receive the compressed gas supplied by thecompressed gas line and in particular to distribute it over a large(planar) surface area of the bottom side of the compressed-gas-permeableswirl plate, so that the compressed gas enters the porous material ofthe compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate at a number of locations on thebottom side.

The compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate preferably comprises a bore,which in particular is arranged centrally in thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate, so that the compressed gas fromthe compressed gas source can be conducted through this bore into thecontainer interior space to convey the powdered medium out of thecontainer interior space. In particular the bore thus forms a portion ofa line or accommodates a line, which conducts the compressed gasdirectly into the container interior space without the compressed gashaving to flow through the channels or pores of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate. The bore preferably has a diameterof several millimeters.

The medical or dental device, in particular the container preferablycomprises a first compressed gas line and a second compressed gas line.The first compressed gas line is supplied with compressed gas to supply(exclusively) the porous material of the compressed-gas-permeable swirlplate, preferably via the compressed gas chamber extending along thebottom side of the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate, so that thecompressed gas conveyed through the first compressed gas line passes(exclusively) through the porous material of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate into the container interior spaceof the container, to loosen or aerate at least a portion of the powderedmedium in the container interior space. The second compressed gas lineis provided for conducting compressed gas (exclusively) directly intothe container interior space for conveying the powdered medium with thecompressed gas out of the container interior space. The compressed gasconveyed in the second compressed gas line thus flows in particular notthrough the pores and channels of the porous material of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate. The compressed gas conveyed in thesecond compressed gas line flows especially preferably through thesecond compressed gas line directly, in particular through the bore inthe compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate, into the container interiorspace or into the standpipe.

The first compressed gas line and the second compressed gas line aredesigned as separate compressed gas lines. Due to the fact that the twoseparate compressed gas lines are provided, it is advantageouslypossible to convey compressed gas with different parameters to thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate and directly into the containerinterior space, for example, different compressed gas volume flows.

At least the first compressed gas line or the second compressed gas linepreferably includes a throttle element, for example, a throttle valve tobe able to adjust the compressed gas volume flow flowing through thefirst compressed gas line or the second compressed gas line. The firstcompressed gas line especially preferably comprises a first throttleelement and the second compressed gas line comprises a second throttleelement. The at least one throttle element or the first throttle elementand the second throttle element is/are preferably designed so that thecompressed gas volume flow in the first compressed gas line and in thesecond compressed gas line are different after passing through thethrottle element(s), in particular such that the compressed gas volumeflow in the first compressed gas line (to supply thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate) is greater than that in the secondcompressed gas line. In several practical experiments, a particularlygood and constant operating behavior of the medical or dental device wasthus achieved, in particular a uniform loading of the compressed gaswith powdered medium.

The second compressed gas line preferably extends through the bore ofthe compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate or this bore is part of thesecond compressed gas line. This creates a particularly space-savingdesign.

Preferably, the bore of the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate and/orthe compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate and/or at least a section ofthe second compressed gas line and/or at least a section of thecontainer interior space and/or at least a section of the container wallis/are arranged concentrically, in particular around a central axis ofthe container.

The first compressed gas line and the second compressed gas line canpreferably be connected to a common compressed gas source, in particularthrough a common compressed gas supply line. The common compressed gassupply line can especially preferably be connected to a dental unit witha patient's chair so that the medical or dental device can be suppliedwith compressed gas via or through the dental unit.

The first compressed gas line and the second compressed gas line arepreferably arranged in a supply block that can be connected to thecontainer. The supply block is preferably designed as a connectingelement or an attachment element between the container and a base partor an operating part of the medical or dental device. The supply blockpreferably releasably or permanently connects the container to the basepart or the operating part. The supply block is preferably made ofmetal, wherein the first compressed gas line and the second compressedgas line are designed as bores in the supply block.

An extension of the supply block in which a section of the secondcompressed gas line is preferably arranged, protrudes into the bore ofthe compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate, thus resulting in a fixationand alignment of the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate, the supplyblock and the container relative to one another advantageously. Thediameter or width of the extension of the supply block is preferablysmaller than the diameter or width of another section of the supplyblock. Preferably only a section of the second compressed gas line isarranged in the extension of the supply block, whereas in the additionalsection of the supply block, there is arranged a section of the firstcompressed gas line and the second compressed gas line.

At least one sealing element is preferably provided at the interfacebetween the supply block, in particular its extension, and thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate and/or the compressed gas chamberand/or the container, in particular the container bottom, to prevent theflow of compressed gas along the interface.

The medical or dental device, in particular the container, preferablyincludes a standpipe having a first end and a second end, wherein thestandpipe extends into the container interior space. The first end ofthe standpipe is connected to the second compressed gas line and/or tothe extension of the supply block and/or protrudes into the bore in thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate, so that compressed gas can flowout of the second compressed gas line into the standpipe (and thusdirectly into the container interior space). The standpipe additionallyhas at least one intake or suction opening, preferably a plurality ofintake openings, for intake or suction of powdered medium stored in thecontainer, so that powdered medium is drawn through the at least oneintake opening into the standpipe by the compressed gas supplied by thesecond compressed gas line (in particular via the Venturi effect) and isconveyed with the compressed gas through the standpipe in the directionof the second end.

The inside diameter of the standpipe preferably expands from the atleast one intake opening in the direction of the second end. Preferably,three or more intake openings are provided which are arranged around thecircumference of the standpipe, preferably uniformly around thecircumference of the standpipe.

The at least one suction or intake opening is preferably arranged at thefirst end of the standpipe, in particular close to thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate. Thus the at least one intakeopening is provided in a partial volume of the container interior space,in which the loosening, aeration or fluidization of the powdered mediumis particularly intense, so that a particularly good and constantoperating behavior of the medical or dental device, in particular aconstant loading of the compressed gas with the powdered medium, isachieved.

The medical or dental device, in particular the container preferablyincludes a non-return valve, which is designed to prevent powderedmedium from the container interior space from entering the secondcompressed gas line. The non-return valve includes, for example, aduckbill valve.

At least a part of the non-return valve is preferably arranged in thesecond compressed gas line, in particular in the supply block or in theextension of the supply block. The non-return valve preferably passesthrough the bore in the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate. Preferablyat least a part of the non-return valve protrudes into the standpipe.

The non-return valve is preferably operable by the compressed gas thatcan be conveyed in the second compressed gas line such that thenon-return valve opens when the gas pressure of the compressed flowingin the second compressed gas line exceeds a predetermined value andcloses when the gas pressure of the compressed gas flowing in the secondcompressed gas line drops below a predetermined value.

The container, in particular the container wall, preferably comprises anopening, through which the compressed gas loaded with the powderedmedium can be conveyed out of the container and in the direction of thedispensing unit. The opening is preferably connected to a conveying tubeand/or the conveying tube is accommodated in the opening, wherein theconveying tube is designed to convey the compressed gas loaded with thepowdered medium in the direction of the dispensing unit. The opening orthe conveying tube is preferably fluidly connected to the standpipe. Theinside diameter of the conveying tube is preferably smaller than theinside diameter of the standpipe. The conveying tube is preferablyconnected to a line which conveys the compressed gas loaded with thepowdered medium in the direction of the dispensing unit. This linepreferably extends up to or into the dispensing unit.

The medical or dental device preferably also comprises at least one ofthe following elements: a dispensing unit, in particular a handle havinga nozzle device, which is designed for dispensing the powdered medium inthe direction of the human or animal tissue or the tissue replacementmaterial; a liquid line for conducting a liquid in the direction of thedispensing unit, so that the liquid can be dispensed through thedispensing unit in the direction of the human or animal tissue or thetissue replacement material; a base part or an operating part, in which,for example, at least a section of the first compressed gas line and/orthe second compressed gas line and/or the common compressed gas supplyline and/or a moisture separator for separating moisture from thecompressed gas that is supplied to the container and/or at least asection of the liquid line and/or at least one control element forcontrolling the throttle element for the compressed gas and/or at leastone control element for controlling the liquid flow-through rate throughthe liquid line and/or the supply block and/or a receptacle for thecontainer are provided; a first supply tubing having a compressed gasline for conducting compressed gas from a compressed gas source to thebase part or operating part or to the container and preferably having aliquid line for conducting liquid from a liquid source in the directionof the dispensing unit; a second supply tubing with a compressed gasline for conducting the compressed gas loaded with the powdered mediumfrom the base part or the operating part or the container in thedirection of the dispensing unit and preferably having a liquid line forconducting a liquid in the direction of the dispensing unit; acompressed gas source.

A method for operating a medical or dental device for dispensing apowdered medium onto human or animal tissue or onto a tissue replacementmaterial is described below, wherein the medical or dental devicecomprises a container for storing the powdered medium in a containerinterior space. The container can be connected to a compressed gassource and compressed gas of the compressed gas source can be conductedinto the container interior space to convey the powdered medium with thecompressed gas out of the container interior space. The container of themedical or dental device can also be connected to a dispensing unit, sothat the powdered medium is conveyed with the compressed gas to thedispensing unit and can be dispensed by the dispensing unit in thedirection of the human or animal tissue or the tissue replacementmaterial. The container has in particular a container wall, whichdefines at least a portion of the container interior space and acontainer bottom connected to the container wall and having at least onebore, wherein compressed gas from the compressed gas source can beconducted through the bore into the container interior space. Acompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate made of a porous material isprovided at the container bottom. The method includes the step, thatcompressed gas is conducted through the porous material of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate into the container interior spaceto loosen, aerate or fluidize at least a portion of the powdered mediumin the container interior space without conveying the powdered mediumout of the container interior space to the dispensing unit.

Preferably in this method, compressed gas is additionally conductedthrough the standpipe described already above to draw the powderedmedium into the standpipe, preferably by means of a Venturi effect, andin particular to convey it through the standpipe to the dispensing unit.

The standpipe and the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate arepreferably supplied with two separate compressed gas streams, which aresent to them in particular via the first compressed gas line and secondcompressed gas line already described above. The two separate compressedgas streams especially preferably have different volume flows, which areadjusted in particular through the at least one throttle element alreadydescribed above.

These and other embodiments will be described below with reference tothe following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a medical or dental device for dispensing a powderedmedium;

FIG. 2 shows a container for storing powdered medium that can beconnected to the compressed gas source;

FIG. 3 shows the detail labeled as “A” in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The medical or dental device 1 shown in FIG. 1 for dispensing a powderedmedium 30 to human or animal tissue or to a tissue replacement materialcomprises a container 2 for storing the powdered medium 30, a base partor operating part 20, a dispensing unit 5, a first supply tubing 21which connects the base part or operating part 20 to the dispensing unit5 and a second supply tubing 22 for connecting the base part oroperating part 20 to a compressed gas source and/or a dental unit 4.

The compressed gas source is designed either as an independent elementwhich is connected to the dental unit 4 or as part of the dental unit 4.

The dental unit 4 comprises, in addition to the compressed gas source ora connection thereto preferably a dental chair, a connection to a liquidsource, a control device for controlling a plurality of different dentalinstruments, in particular a handpiece as well as a plurality ofconnections to which the dental instruments can be connected to receivemedia such as liquid (water), compressed gas, in particular compressedair and/or electricity from the dental unit 4. The medical or dentaldevice 1 for dispensing a powdered medium 30 is preferably connectableto the dental unit 4 via one of these connections to receive at leastcompressed gas, optionally also water and/or electricity for operationof the medical or dental device 1.

The dispensing unit 5 comprises at least one nozzle device 5B fordispensing the powdered medium 30 in the direction of the human oranimal tissue or the tissue replacement material. Preferably thedispensing unit 5 comprises a handle 5A which can be held by hand and onwhich the nozzle device 5B is attached. A line which conveys thecompressed gas loaded with the powdered medium 30 is connected to thehandle 5A and/or the nozzle device 5B and/or extends into the handle 5Aand/or the nozzle device 5B.

The second supply tubing 22 comprises at least one line for conductingcompressed gas from the compressed gas source and/or dental unit 4 tothe base part or operating part 20 and/or in the direction of thedispensing unit 5. The first supply tubing 21 includes at least one linefor conducting compressed gas loaded with the powdered medium 30 fromthe container 2 and/or the base part or the operating part 20 in thedirection of the dispensing unit 5, in particular the nozzle device 5B.The first supply tubing 21 and/or the second supply tubing 22 preferablyadditionally comprise(s) a line for conducting a liquid in the directionof the dispensing unit 5 and/or an electrical line for conductingelectricity to the base part or to the operating part 20 or in thedirection of the dispensing unit 5.

The container 2 is provided on the base part or the operating part 20,for example, being detachably or undetachably connected thereto. Areceptacle 23 for the container 2 and/or a connecting device forconducting compressed gas from the base part or the operating part 20 orfrom a compressed gas line arranged therein into the container 2 and/orfrom the container 2 into the base part or the operating part 20, or acompressed gas line arranged therein is/are preferably provided on thebase part or the operating part 20.

In addition to the compressed gas lines and liquid lines alreadymentioned above, preferably also at least one adjusting element may beprovided in the base part or the operating part 20, for example, atleast one throttle element 18, 19 or 25 (see FIG. 2 or 3) in acompressed gas line or at least one valve for changing the flow rate ofa liquid in a liquid line which conducts liquid in the direction of thedispensing unit 5. At least one operating element 24 with which a usercan operate an adjusting element provided in the base part or theoperating part 20 is preferably provided on the base part or theoperating part 20, the adjusting element comprising for example, thevalve mentioned above for varying the flow rate of a liquid or at leastone throttle element mentioned above may be provided here.

A supply block 14 (FIG. 2), which connects the container 2 to the basepart or operating part 20 and in particular to at least one of thecompressed gas lines provided in the base part or operating part, ispreferably also provided in the base part or operating part 20. Thesupply block 14, which is described in even greater detail below, isalso designed for mechanical connection of the container 2 to the basepart or operating part 20.

Finally, a moisture separator 26 for separating moisture out of thecompressed gas, which is then sent to the container 2, is preferablyarranged in the base part or the operating part 20. The moistureseparator 26 includes, for example, filter material or a desiccant.

The container 2, which is shown enlarged in FIG. 2, includes apreferably cylindrical container wall 6, which defines at least aportion of a container interior space 3, a container bottom 7, connectedto the container wall 6, and a container cover 27.

The container 2 can be connected by at least one connection to thecompressed gas source 4 so that compressed gas from the compressed gassource 4 can be conducted into the container interior space 3. Thecontainer 2 can also be connected to the dispensing unit 5, so that thecompressed gas that is loaded with the powdered medium 30 can beconveyed to the dispensing unit 5.

The container cover 27 is preferably arranged opposite the containerbottom 7. The container cover 27 is preferably arranged movably orseparably, preferably relative to the container 2, in particular thecontainer wall 6, so that a powdered medium 30 can be filled into thecontainer interior space 3. The container cover 27 preferably has adome-type shape or a shape that is arched outward from the containerinterior space 3.

The container interior space 3 preferably comprises at least onecylindrical section 3B. Preferably a section 3A tapering in thedirection of the container bottom 7 is connected to this cylindricalsection 3B.

At least one bore 8 (see FIG. 3) through which compressed gas from thecompressed gas source 4 can be conducted into the container interiorspace 3 is provided on the preferably circular container bottom 7.Another bore 28, through which the compressed gas loaded with thepowdered medium 30 can exit from the container interior space 3, ispreferably also provided on the container bottom 7. This hole 28 mayalso be provided at least partially or even completely in the containerwall 6 and/or in the container cover 27.

A conveying tube 29 is preferably accommodated in the bore 28 or can beconnected to it. The conveying tube 29 is designed to conduct thecompressed gas loaded with the powdered medium 30 out of the containerinterior space 3, in particular in the direction of the dispensing unit5. The conveying tube 29 is therefore in particular connected to acompressed gas line provided in the first supply tubing.

A compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 made of a porous material isprovided on the container bottom 7, wherein compressed gas can beconducted through the porous material into the container interior space3 to loosen up or aerate at least a portion of the powdered medium 30 inthe container interior space 3 without conveying the powdered medium 30out of the container interior space 3 to the dispensing unit 5. Thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 is preferably designed to becircular or a flat cylinder. The height of the compressed-gas-permeableswirl plate 9 preferably amounts to several millimeters, for example,less than 7 mm, in particular less than 5 mm. The diameter of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 is preferably less than 50 mm, inparticular less than 35 mm. A plurality of channels or pores that openinto openings on the top side 9A and on the bottom side 9B of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 are provided in the body of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 so that compressed gas can flowthrough the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9.

The compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 is arranged in particularadjacent to or in the section 3A of the container interior space 3tapering in the direction of the container bottom 7 so that the powderedmedium 30 in particular slides in the direction of or onto thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9. The tapering section 3Aespecially preferably ends with its smallest diameter at thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9, in particular on its top side 9A(see also FIG. 3), so that the (total) powdered medium 30 stored in thecontainer interior space 3 is deposited directly on thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9.

The compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 is preferably fastenedundetachably to the container 2, for example, being injected into thecontainer 2, which is made of plastic.

As can be seen in FIG. 2 in particular, the compressed-gas-permeableswirl plate 9 forms an intermediate bottom which borders the containerinterior space 3 and separates the container interior space 3 and/or thepowdered medium 30 from the container bottom 7. Thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 or the intermediate bottom ispreferably disposed in the container interior space 3 or adjacent to it,in particular in a receiving space having a cylindrical shape.

The compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 additionally has a bore 11,preferably disposed centrally, so that compressed gas from thecompressed gas source 4 can be conducted into the container interiorspace 3 (directly, without flowing through the porous material) in orderto convey the powdered medium 30 out of the container interior space 3.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 in particular, the compressed-gas-permeableswirl plate 9 is spaced from the container bottom by at least oneshoulder or a spacer 31, for example, by one spacer, or according toFIG. 3, two annular spacers. Therefore, a compressed gas chamber 10extending over a large surface area along a bottom side 9B of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 is formed beneath thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9, in particular between thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 and the container bottom 7. Thiscompressed gas chamber 10 is provided for planar supplying of compressedgas to the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9.

The compressed gas chamber 10 is connected to the compressed gas source4 via a first compressed gas line 12 so that compressed gas can beconveyed into the compressed gas chamber 10. The compressed gas spreadsinside the compressed gas chamber 10 beneath thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9, in particular beneath its bottomside 9B, and flows then through the porous material of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 into the container interior space3. The pressure drop in the compressed gas over thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate and/or the volume flow of thecompressed gas entering the compressed gas chamber 10 cause(s) thepowdered medium 30 stored in the container interior space 3 to beloosened, aerated or fluidized by the compressed gas flowing through thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 without conveying any powderedmedium 30 out of the container interior space 3 to the dispensing unit5.

A second compressed gas line 13 conducts compressed gas directly intothe container interior space 3 to convey the powdered medium 30 with thecompressed gas out of the container interior space 3. To do so, thesecond compressed gas line 13 is also connected to the compressed gassource 4. The first compressed gas line 12 and the second compressed gasline 13 are preferably connected to the compressed gas source 4 via acommon compressed gas line arranged in the second supply tubing 22. Thiscommon compressed gas line is preferably divided into the firstcompressed gas line 12 and the second compressed gas line 13 in the basepart or the operating part 20, so that the two compressed gas lines 12,13 are then formed as separate compressed gas lines.

The second compressed gas line 13 extends through the bore 11 in thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 and ends in or on the containerinterior space 3. A standpipe 15 is connected or attached to this end ofthe second compressed gas line 13.

The standpipe 15 extends further into the container interior space 3 upto a second free end, which is arranged above the powdered medium 30 inthe container interior space 3. The standpipe 15 has a plurality ofintake openings 16 for intake of powdered medium 30 stored in thecontainer 2, so that powdered medium 30 is drawn through the compressedgas supplied by the second compressed gas line 13 through the at leastone intake opening 16 into the standpipe 15 and conveyed with thecompressed gas through the standpipe 15 in the direction of the secondend.

On the second free end, the compressed gas together with the fluidizedpowdered medium 30 emerges from the standpipe 15 and flows through thecontainer interior space 3 to the conveying tube 29, through which itleaves the container 2, as already described above.

The first compressed gas line 12 and the second compressed gas line 13are arranged in a supply block 14 that can be connected to the container2. The supply block 14 is formed as a connecting or attachment elementbetween the container 2 and the base part or operating part 20. Aplurality of sealing elements seal the supply block 14 with respect tothe container 2, the container interior space 3, thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9 and/or the compressed gas chamber10.

The supply block 14 comprises an extension 14A on one end, in particularon the end facing the container interior space 3. This extension 14Aprotrudes into the bore 11 of the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plateand closes the bore 11 in particular. The extension 14A, preferably itstop side facing the container interior space 3, thus in particular alsoforms a part of the aforementioned intermediate bottom together with thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate 9.

A section of the second compressed gas line 13, which opens into anopening on the top side of the extension 14A, which opening is connectedto the standpipe 15, is arranged in the extension 14A.

A non-return valve 17, designed to prevent powdered medium 30 to flowout of the container interior space 3 and into the compressed gas line13, is arranged in the second compressed gas line 13, in particular inthe supply block 14 or in its extension 14A. As shown in FIG. 3, thenon-return valve 17 is supported on a shoulder formed by a constrictionin the second compressed gas line 13 and affixed to said shoulder by ahollow screw 32 with an inside bore.

The first compressed gas line 12 and the second compressed gas line 13each comprise a throttle element 18, 19, for example, a throttle valveso that the compressed gas volume flows that are flowing through thefirst compressed gas line 12 and the second compressed gas line 13 areadjustable independently of one another. In particular the two throttleelements 18, 19 are designed or can be operated, for example, with theoperating element 24, such that the compressed gas volume flow that isflowing through the first compressed gas line 12 and the compressed gasvolume flow that is flowing through the second compressed gas line 13have different values. The compressed gas volume flow that flows throughthe first compressed gas line 12 is preferably greater than thecompressed gas volume flow that flows through the second compressed gasline 13.

The medical or dental device 1 preferably includes another compressedgas line 33, which is designed to introduce pure compressed gas (withoutpowdered medium 30) into the conveyor tube 29 or the compressed gas line34 (see FIG. 2). Thereby it is possible to vary the concentration oramount of fluidized powdered medium 30 flowing in the direction of thedispensing unit 5, for example, by diluting the fluidized powderedmedium 30 or by generating a back pressure in the conveying tube 29.Thus the delivery of an excess of powder in starting and stopping thedevice 1 in the direction of the handle 5A can also be prevented.

The compressed gas line 33 is connected to the compressed gas source 4and receives compressed gas from this compressed gas source withoutcontaining any powdered medium 30. In addition, the compressed gas line33 is connected to the conveyor tube 29 and/or to a compressed gas line34 for conducting the fluidized powdered medium 30 in the direction ofthe dispensing unit 5, which is in turn connected to the conveyor tube29, outside of the container 2, so that pure compressed gas can beconveyed into the conveyor tube 29 or into the compressed gas line 34.

In order to be able to vary the concentration or amount of fluidizedpowdered medium 30 flowing in the direction of the dispensing unit 5particularly well, another throttle element 25 is provided in thecompressed gas line 33. The throttle element 25 is in particulardesigned to be adjustable, for example, by means of an operating element24 on the base part or the operating part 20.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments alreadydescribed here but instead also includes all embodiments that use orcontain the basic function principle of the invention according to theclaims. In addition, each feature described or illustrated here can alsobe combined with any other feature described or illustrated here.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical or dental device for dispensing apowdered medium, comprising: a container for storing the powdered mediumin a container interior space, wherein the container can be connected toa compressed gas source, and compressed gas from the compressed gassource can be conducted into the container interior space to convey thepowdered medium together with the compressed gas out of the containerinterior space, and wherein the container can be connected to adispensing unit so that the powdered medium is conveyed with thecompressed gas to the dispensing unit and can be dispensed by thedispensing unit in a desired direction, wherein the container comprises:a container wall, which defines at least a portion of the containerinterior space, a container bottom that is connected to the containerwall and has at least one bore through which compressed gas from thecompressed gas source can be conducted into the container interiorspace, and a compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate made of a porousmaterial which is provided at the container bottom, wherein compressedgas can be conducted through the porous material of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate into the container interior spaceto aerate at least a portion of the powdered medium in the containerinterior space without conveying the powdered medium out of thecontainer interior space to the dispensing unit, wherein thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate forms an intermediate bottombordering the container interior space for storing the powdered mediumand separating the container interior space from the container bottom.2. The medical or dental device according to claim 1, wherein thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate is arranged at or in a section ofthe container interior space tapering in the direction of the containerbottom.
 3. The medical or dental device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a compressed gas chamber for supplying compressed gas to thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate to aerate at least a portion of thepowdered medium in the container interior space, wherein the compressedgas chamber is arranged beneath the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plateand extends along a bottom side of the compressed-gas-permeable swirlplate.
 4. The medical or dental device according to claim 3, furthercomprising a first compressed gas line which opens into the compressedgas chamber for supplying compressed gas to the compressed gas chamber.5. The medical or dental device according to claim 4, further comprisinga second compressed gas line for conducting compressed gas directly intothe container interior space for conveying the powdered medium togetherwith the compressed gas out of the container interior space.
 6. Themedical or dental device according to claim 5, wherein the secondcompressed gas line extends through a bore in thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate.
 7. The medical or dental deviceaccording to claim 5, further comprising a standpipe having a first endand a second end, wherein the standpipe extends into the containerinterior space, the first end is connected to the second compressed gasline and the standpipe comprises at least one intake opening for drawingin powdered medium stored in the container so that powdered medium isdrawn by the compressed gas supplied by the second compressed gas linethrough the at least one intake opening into the standpipe and isconveyed with the compressed gas through the standpipe in the directionof the second end.
 8. The medical or dental device according to claim 7,wherein the at least one intake opening is arranged on the first end ofthe standpipe close to the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate.
 9. Themedical or dental device according to claim 1, wherein thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate comprises a bore through whichcompressed gas from the compressed gas source can be conducted into thecontainer interior space in order to convey the powdered medium out ofthe container interior space.
 10. The medical or dental device accordingto claim 1, further comprising a supply block to which the container canbe connected and which comprises at least one of a first compressed gasline for supplying compressed gas to the porous material of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate and a second compressed gas linefor conducting compressed gas directly into the container interior spacefor conveying the powdered medium together with the compressed gas outof the container interior space.
 11. The medical or dental deviceaccording to claim 10, wherein an extension of the supply blockcomprising a section of the second compressed gas line protrudes into abore of the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate through whichcompressed gas from the compressed gas source can be conducted into thecontainer interior space in order to convey the powdered medium out ofthe container interior space.
 12. The medical or dental device accordingto claim 1, further comprising a non-return valve which is designed toprevent powdered medium from flowing out of the container interior spaceinto a compressed gas line for conducting compressed gas directly intothe container interior space for conveying the powdered medium togetherwith the compressed gas out of the container interior space.
 13. Themedical or dental device according to claim 1, further comprising athrottle element so that at least one of a volume flow of the compressedgas which can be conducted through the compressed-gas-permeable swirlplate and a volume flow of a compressed gas for conveying the powderedmedium out of the container interior space to the dispensing unit isadjustable.
 14. The medical or dental device according to claim 1,further comprising a dispensing unit having a nozzle arrangement whichis designed for dispensing powdered medium in a direction of human oranimal tissue or a tissue replacement material.
 15. A medical or dentaldevice for dispensing a powdered medium, comprising: a container forstoring the powdered medium in a container interior space, wherein thecontainer can be connected to a compressed gas source, and compressedgas from the compressed gas source can be conducted into the containerinterior space to convey the powdered medium together with thecompressed gas out of the container interior space, and wherein thecontainer can be connected to a dispensing unit so that the powderedmedium is conveyed with the compressed gas to the dispensing unit andcan be dispensed by the dispensing unit in a desired direction, whereinthe container comprises: a container wall, which defines at least aportion of the container interior space, a container bottom that isconnected to the container wall and has at least one bore through whichcompressed gas from the compressed gas source can be conducted into thecontainer interior space, and a compressed-gas-permeable swirl platemade of a porous material which is provided at the container bottom,wherein compressed gas can be conducted through the porous material ofthe compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate into the container interiorspace to aerate at least a portion of the powdered medium in thecontainer interior space without conveying the powdered medium out ofthe container interior space to the dispensing unit, wherein thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate comprises a bore through whichcompressed gas from the compressed gas source can be conducted into thecontainer interior space in order to convey the powdered medium out ofthe container interior space.
 16. The medical or dental device accordingto claim 15, wherein the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate isarranged at or in a section of the container interior space tapering inthe direction of the container bottom.
 17. The medical or dental deviceaccording to claim 15, wherein the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plateforms an intermediate bottom bordering the container interior space forstoring the powdered medium.
 18. The medical or dental device accordingto claim 15, further comprising a compressed gas chamber for supplyingcompressed gas to the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate to aerate atleast a portion of the powdered medium in the container interior space,wherein the compressed gas chamber is arranged beneath thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate and extends along a bottom side ofthe compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate.
 19. The medical or dentaldevice according to claim 18, further comprising a first compressed gasline which opens into the compressed gas chamber for supplyingcompressed gas to the compressed gas chamber.
 20. The medical or dentaldevice according to claim 15, further comprising a second compressed gasline for conducting compressed gas directly into the container interiorspace for conveying the powdered medium together with the compressed gasout of the container interior space, wherein the second compressed gasline extends through or connects to the bore in thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate.
 21. The medical or dental deviceaccording to claim 20, further comprising a standpipe having a first endand a second end, wherein the standpipe extends into the containerinterior space, the first end is connected to the second compressed gasline and the standpipe comprises at least one intake opening for drawingin powdered medium stored in the container so that powdered medium isdrawn by the compressed gas supplied by the second compressed gas linethrough the at least one intake opening into the standpipe and isconveyed with the compressed gas through the standpipe in the directionof the second end, wherein the at least one intake opening is arrangedon the first end of the standpipe close to the compressed-gas-permeableswirl plate.
 22. The medical or dental device according to claim 15,further comprising a supply block to which the container can beconnected and which comprises at least one of a first compressed gasline for supplying compressed gas to the porous material of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate and a second compressed gas linefor conducting compressed gas directly into the container interior spacefor conveying the powdered medium together with the compressed gas outof the container interior space.
 23. The medical or dental deviceaccording to claim 15, further comprising a dispensing unit having anozzle arrangement which is designed for dispensing powdered medium in adirection of human or animal tissue or a tissue replacement material.24. A medical or dental device for dispensing a powdered medium,comprising: a container for storing the powdered medium in a containerinterior space, wherein the container can be connected to a compressedgas source, and compressed gas from the compressed gas source can beconducted into the container interior space to convey the powderedmedium together with the compressed gas out of the container interiorspace, and wherein the container can be connected to a dispensing unitso that the powdered medium is conveyed with the compressed gas to thedispensing unit and can be dispensed by the dispensing unit in a desireddirection, wherein the container comprises: a container wall, whichdefines at least a portion of the container interior space, a containerbottom that is connected to the container wall and has at least one borethrough which compressed gas from the compressed gas source can beconducted into the container interior space, a compressed-gas-permeableswirl plate made of a porous material which is provided at the containerbottom, wherein compressed gas can be conducted through the porousmaterial of the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate into the containerinterior space to aerate at least a portion of the powdered medium inthe container interior space without conveying the powdered medium outof the container interior space to the dispensing unit, and a supplyblock to which the container can be connected and which comprises atleast a compressed gas line for conducting compressed gas directly intothe container interior space for conveying the powdered medium togetherwith the compressed gas out of the container interior space, wherein anextension of the supply block comprising a section of the compressed gasline protrudes into a bore of the compressed-gas-permeable swirl platethrough which compressed gas from the compressed gas source can beconducted into the container interior space in order to convey thepowdered medium out of the container interior space.
 25. The medical ordental device according to claim 24, wherein thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate is arranged at or in a section ofthe container interior space tapering in the direction of the containerbottom.
 26. The medical or dental device according to claim 24, whereinthe compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate forms an intermediate bottombordering the container interior space for storing the powdered medium.27. The medical or dental device according to claim 24, furthercomprising a compressed gas chamber for supplying compressed gas to thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate to aerate at least a portion of thepowdered medium in the container interior space, wherein the compressedgas chamber is arranged beneath the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plateand extends along a bottom side of the compressed-gas-permeable swirlplate.
 28. The medical or dental device according to claim 27, furthercomprising a compressed gas line which opens into the compressed gaschamber for supplying compressed gas to the compressed gas chamber. 29.The medical or dental device according to claim 24, further comprising astandpipe having a first end and a second end, wherein the standpipeextends into the container interior space, the first end is connected tothe compressed gas line for conducting compressed gas directly into thecontainer interior space and the standpipe comprises at least one intakeopening for drawing in powdered medium stored in the container so thatpowdered medium is drawn by the compressed gas supplied by thecompressed gas line for conducting compressed gas directly into thecontainer interior space through the at least one intake opening intothe standpipe and is conveyed with the compressed gas through thestandpipe in the direction of the second end, wherein the at least oneintake opening is arranged on the first end of the standpipe close tothe compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate.
 30. The medical or dentaldevice according to claim 24, further comprising a dispensing unithaving a nozzle arrangement which is designed for dispensing powderedmedium in a direction of human or animal tissue or a tissue replacementmaterial.
 31. A medical or dental device for dispensing a powderedmedium, comprising: a container for storing the powdered medium in acontainer interior space, wherein the container can be connected to acompressed gas source, and compressed gas from the compressed gas sourcecan be conducted into the container interior space to convey thepowdered medium together with the compressed gas out of the containerinterior space, and wherein the container can be connected to adispensing unit so that the powdered medium is conveyed with thecompressed gas to the dispensing unit and can be dispensed by thedispensing unit in a desired direction, wherein the container comprises:a container wall, which defines at least a portion of the containerinterior space, a container bottom that is connected to the containerwall and has at least one bore through which compressed gas from thecompressed gas source can be conducted into the container interiorspace, and a compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate made of a porousmaterial which is provided at the container bottom, wherein compressedgas can be conducted through the porous material of thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate into the container interior spaceto aerate at least a portion of the powdered medium in the containerinterior space without conveying the powdered medium out of thecontainer interior space to the dispensing unit, wherein thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate extends from the container wall ina direction of a central longitudinal axis of the container to surroundat least one of (i) a standpipe for conveying powdered medium stored inthe container through the standpipe out of the container and (ii) acompressed gas line for conducting compressed gas directly into thecontainer interior space for conveying the powdered medium together withthe compressed gas out of the container interior space.
 32. The medicalor dental device according to claim 31, wherein thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate is arranged at or in a section ofthe container interior space tapering in the direction of the containerbottom.
 33. The medical or dental device according to claim 31, whereinthe compressed-gas-permeable swirl plate forms an intermediate bottombordering the container interior space for storing the powdered medium.34. The medical or dental device according to claim 31, furthercomprising a compressed gas chamber for supplying compressed gas to thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate to aerate at least a portion of thepowdered medium in the container interior space, wherein the compressedgas chamber is arranged beneath the compressed-gas-permeable swirl plateand extends along a bottom side of the compressed-gas-permeable swirlplate.
 35. The medical or dental device according to claim 34, furthercomprising another compressed gas line which opens into the compressedgas chamber for supplying compressed gas to the compressed gas chamber.36. The medical or dental device according to claim 31, wherein at leastone of the standpipe extending into the container interior space and thecompressed gas line for conducting compressed gas directly into thecontainer interior space pass through or connect to a bore in thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate.
 37. The medical or dental deviceaccording to claim 31, further comprising a supply block to which thecontainer can be connected and which comprises at least the compressedgas line for conducting compressed gas directly into the containerinterior space.
 38. The medical or dental device according to claim 31,wherein the device comprises the standpipe and the compressed gas linefor conducting compressed gas directly into the container interiorspace, wherein the standpipe comprises at least one intake opening fordrawing in powdered medium stored in the container so that powderedmedium is drawn by compressed gas supplied by the compressed gas linethrough the at least one intake opening into the standpipe and isconveyed with the compressed gas through the standpipe in the directionof a discharge end of the standpipe, wherein the at least one intakeopening is arranged on an intake end of the standpipe close to thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate.
 39. The medical or dental deviceaccording to claim 31, further comprising a dispensing unit having anozzle arrangement which is designed for dispensing powdered medium in adirection of human or animal tissue or a tissue replacement material.40. The medical or dental device according to claim 31, wherein thecompressed-gas-permeable swirl plate is formed circular or as a flatcylinder.